Mercedes: Charcoal Smell in 2002 CLK 320, mold mildew, cabin air filter

Question
Hello:

I have a 2002 CLK 320 with just 11,700 miles on it.  It was previously owned by an older gentleman who rarely drove it.  The last time the cabin air filter was changed, according to service records, was in April 2007 at 7,380 miles. It has a strong charcoal like smell that emanates from the car even when the heat/AC are turned off.  Is it time for a new cabin air filter? Could this be mold/mildew I'm mistaking for charcoal? Please advise.

Thank you!

Answer
L.Kiyana
Yes you may have a mildew smell but it may be coming from the carpets. I would check under the mats for moisture. Or the AC drain may have stopped up and water may have collected off the evaporator and allowed mold to grow.

Also, it would not hurt to change the cabin air filter.
Good Luck
Robert